Do bank branches still matter?

Retail banking has changed on a global scale over the last 10-15 years with a huge push towards online and telephone banking. Not only because it's less time consuming but I believe also because of the way banks now make decisions. In the past spending time to develop a strong relationship with the business bank manager was very worth the time as then your account manager had a far greater understanding of your business, it's unique selling points and requirements. The bank manager can take this all into consideration when accessing the banks willingness to lend funding. Sadly today the bank manager has not authority in most cases and the lending decision is made by a nameless person at the banks regional head office based completely on the application form information and your business plan and the man / woman you met with has close to no involvement... Therefore why spend your time developing a relationship with someone who can't help and who will probably be in another position in a few years? I would argue none.